Factors influencing the utilisation of the intra-uterine contraceptive device among women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Abstract

The intra-uterine contraceptive device is one of the safest and most cost effective contraceptive available in the world. It is more effective than female sterilisation, injectables, and implants in pregnancy prevention. Despite this, only 14% of married women use this device worldwide. In Africa, however, only 1% of women use the intra-uterine contraceptive device, a rate considered the lowest in the world. This area of practice is much neglected in Africa, as evidenced in the limited publication on the same. Hence, this study examined the factors that might influence the utilisation of intra-uterine contraceptive device among family planning clients in Addis Ababa. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data were collected from 366 family planning clients using structured questionnaires administered by trained interviewers. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences research version 19. Family planning clients indicated a preference for contraceptive methods. They preferred oral pills, injectables and implants to the intra-uterine contraceptive device. A range of socio-demographic factors did influenced family planning clients’ choice of contraceptive methods. Examples of these include level of education, and number of children. It was also noted that family planning clients had limited knowledge of the benefits and side effects of this device. Therefore family planning clients need to be empowered with information regarding the availability, and benefits of intra-uterine contraceptive device in order to increase the utilisation of this method.